Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
Knowing what services termite inspection companies offer can assist you in making an educated selection that satisfies your short- and long-term needs. Many companies offer annual termite inspections with preventive care for consistent coverage. Depending on your circumstances, this may be more helpful than addressing termites only once.
Exterior Inspection
Inspectors conducting termite checks will look around your home's exterior for visible damage. They’ll check over structures touching the ground, outdoor wood, and damp areas that could draw termites, such as the following:- Cracks in expansion joints
- Deadwood
- Firewood stacks
- Pooling water around the foundation
- Standing water on the roof
- Wood mulch close to the foundation
- Wooden deck supports
- Wooden fences
Interior Inspection
Pest control specialists generally offer both indoor and outdoor inspections. Inside, they concentrate on areas that are damp or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, as well as possible termite entry points. They might inspect the following:- Attics
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Doorframes
- Exposed beams or studs
- Exterior walls
- Hardwood floors
- Under-sink cabinets
- Windowsills
- Wooden furniture
Treatment Recommendations
After verifying an infestation, an inspection service will recommend a strategic treatment plan to remove the termites safely and efficiently. Alternatives to chemicals include heat treatments, physical barriers, and biological agents such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees common chemical treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides saturate the soil around your house to form a protective barrier. Baits contain insecticide-laced cellulose that attracts termites. If these treatments aren't enough, you can schedule fumigation. Fumigation means vacating your home, enclosing it, and introducing a gas that’s lethal to termites. To fix your current termite problem, the pest control company might propose a multipronged approach.Future Vulnerabilities
Complete termite inspections check current issues as well as potential future problems. Inspectors search for leaks, wood-to-soil contact, and other things on your property that could draw termites. The inspector may propose landscaping changes or structural changes to improve drainage and lessen potential entry points. Taking care of these issues will decrease your risk of a future infestation.Continuous Monitoring
Termite solutions may require consistent monitoring, reapplication, or replacement to remain effective. Many quality termite inspection companies provide ongoing plans with annual or quarterly inspections for this reason. During this ongoing monitoring, the technician will verify new or increased termite activity. Part of the service is to also change out baits and reapply liquid treatments when required. These plans cut down on the chance of major damage and often include a warranty.Termite Warranties
Termite inspection companies often offer a reservice warranty with their services. The warranty covers any extra work required to deal with the termites if they come back within a certain time frame after service. Some pest control professionals take it a step further and provide repair warranties. These guarantees cover repairs for new termite damage after treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
Homeowners should consider several factors when selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three companies for quotes. Remember that some may need to evaluate your home before providing an estimate.
- Experience: A company’s time in business can tell you about its trustworthiness and knowledge. Companies with more industry experience can usually handle termites more effectively.
- Guarantees: Look for providers that include warranties or guarantees covering reservice and repairs. Ask for these contracts in writing for your records.
- Licensing and insurance: Your pest control provider should hold a ground owner-operator license from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry. (Some providers may also hold an aerial owner-operator license.) This license can come with or without a phenoxy endorsement, depending on the type of pesticides a company uses. Always verify that your provider is properly insured. Anyone who uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Visit the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, read online reviews, and get feedback from people you trust to gauge customer satisfaction with providers you're considering. Strong customer feedback suggests a track record of good customer service.